Clergyman recipient of Queen's Gallantry Medal, 88
Michael Rhodes
February, 2002, aged 88, was a former Prebendary of Hereford
Cathedral, who was a recipient of the Queen's Gallantry Medal in 1979.
I have searched for a list of QGM recipients and citations without
success. Can anyone come up with the reason why this clergyman was so
honoured?
Riou George Benson was born 23 January, 1914, the second son of
Lieutenant-Colonel John Ingham Benson, MC, of Aston Hall, Craven Arms,
Salop, of the Shropshire Yeomanry, and his wife, the former Mary
Beatrice Levenson Levett.
The family descended from the Bensons of Lutwyche, and Moses Benson,
who acquired a large fortune as a West Indian merchant, and who
purchased the estate of Lutwyche, Salop in the 18th Century.
Riou was educated at Shrewsbury, and University College, Oxford, and
Lincoln Theological College.
Ordained in 1940, he began his ministry as Curate of Penistone with
Midhope, in the Diocese of Wakefield, 1939-44; Perpetual Curate of St
James's, Goff's Oak, 1944-50; Vicar of Burghill, 1950-61; Vicar of
Clun and Priest-in-Charge, Clungunford and Hopton Castle, Diocese of
Hereford, 1961-79; Chaplain of St Catherine's Hospital, Clun, 1961-75;
Vicar of Bettws-y-Crwyn with Newcastle, 1963-79; Prebendary of
Hereford Cathedral, 1965-91; Priest-in-charge, Bedstone with Hopton
Castle, 1965-79; Priest-in-charge, Llanfair Waterdine with Stowe,
1973-79; Priest-in-charge, Clunbury, 1975-79; Rural Dean of Clun
Forest, 1968-72; Vicar of Clun with Chapel Lawn, Bettws-y-Crwyn and
Newcastle, 1979; retired 1979.
He married 22 July, 1937, his cousin, Diana Joan, younger daughter of
Douglas Cator, of The Old Pest House, Bengeo, Hertfordshire, by his
wife Dorothy Anne Benson. There were four children of the marriage,
two sons, David Edward Riou, and Robin John Riou, and two daughters,
Susan, and Jennifer.
The funeral takes place at Hope Bowlder Church, on Monday 11 February,
2002, at 2.30 p.m.
...Michael Rhodes.
Edwin King
Michael Rhodes wrote:
> The Reverend Prebenadry Riou George Benson, who died suddenly on 4
> February, 2002, aged 88, was a former Prebendary of Hereford
> Cathedral, who was a recipient of the Queen's Gallantry Medal in 1979.
>
> I have searched for a list of QGM recipients and citations without
> success. Can anyone come up with the reason why this clergyman was so
> honoured?
I wondered that myself when I saw it and have put some feelers out. At
least, with him being a Prebend and presumably having an interesting
story, we're likely to get a published obit.
> Riou George Benson was born 23 January, 1914, the second son of
> Lieutenant-Colonel John Ingham Benson, MC, of Aston Hall, Craven Arms,
Riou appears to be a family name - how is he connected with Maj-Gen Riou
Benson quondam Colonel-Commandant of the Royal Artillary?
Edwin
Michael Rhodes
> Riou appears to be a family name - how is he connected with Maj-Gen Riou
> Benson quondam Colonel-Commandant of the Royal Artillary?
>
> Edwin
The Preb was a nephew of Brig-Gen Riou Philip Benson, CB, CMG, Royal
Artillery, (1863-1939). Is this the man?
...Michael
Edwin King
Michael Rhodes wrote:
No, I got the name slightly wrong, he was Maj-Gen Edward Riou Benson,
CB, CMG, CBE (1903-1985), Col-Cmdt Royal Artillary 1960-65.
But it just proves the point about Riou being a family name.
Edwin
Michael Rhodes
Maj-Gen Edward Riou Benson was a son of Brig-Gen Riou Philip Benson,
and a cousin of the dead Prebendary.
...Michael
